Mommy issues abound on ‘Masters of Sex’

Is there any more horrifying sound than your parents walking in the house when you are in bed up to no good (or too much good)? Apparently that horror does not change when you are a grown woman in bed with your married partner in science and pseudo marriage.

Oh, Virginia, none of us, no matter how many books we sell, can escape our mothers knowing best. Yours (Frances Fisher) is no different.

The arrival of Virginia’s parents on Masters of Sex has seemed imminent since it was alluded to a few episodes back. Tessa’s decision to out her mother’s activities to her grandparents is more than just delinquency, however, the root of her mischief is still unclear. Is she trying to punish her mother? Break up the relationship both personally and professionally? Or maybe, and I am guessing this is closest to the truth, Tessa doesn’t even understand it herself.

Like so many things Tessa’s done this season, this is an act of anger and confusion (so basically, being a teenager). Her plan, however, was probably not for Grandma to push Virginia into actively pursuing Bill. Things still worked out for Tessa (for now) as the Mom Stamp of Approval sent Virginia after Dan. Who doesn’t need two married lovers?

Speaking of two lovers . . . “We switch partners daily/ To play as we please,” or so says the catchy tune “Two Ladies” from Cabaret (check out the Alan Cumming version on Youtube because he is amazing). Margaret has found herself in this fun little scenario with Graham and his travel agent/second lady, Jo. While Jo may end up in her bed, Margaret is not going to have her join in for sex therapy.

At first I thought Dan was the smarmiest new boy on the block this semester, but that award definitely belongs to Graham. Tate Donovan’s delivery, particularly his inflection on the pet names, is both playful and condescending in the same breath (that is intended as a compliment). Thank goodness she walked out the door. Her only mistake was leaving her fabulous clothing behind.

I can literally not decide which I loved more–Betty’s amazing red dress or her popping Bill’s back in their lobby. It did nothing to undermine his power a few minutes later when his ex-Chancellor from Washington University decided to call up a favour to keep his son out of Vietnam in exchange for the promise of a triumphant return to the school that booted him out. Bill certainly likes to charge down bullies, both his own and his son’s.

Kudos to Michael Sheen for slaying his “Love and Gravity” speech, although the music made the scene feel like something out of an Oscar bait film. It is moments like this that I wish the show would trust its actors and writing rather than pushing obvious metaphors, parallels, and emotions. While this season still hasn’t lived up to its strong first season, there are threads being woven each week that could certainly pay off.